Lectures (23 hours).
Immunology, historical notes. The immune system: general. Innate Immunity vs Adaptive Immunity. Innate immunity. Blood and tissue defense cells: leukocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, mast cells. The complement, classic activation, alternative and way of the lectins. Anatomical barriers to infections, mechanical removal of microorganisms, and bacterial antagonism. PAMPS, PRR, cytokines. Phagocytosis. Natural killer cells. Inflammation, fever, acute phase response. General information on the lymphatic system. Antigens, immunogens and lymphocyte receptors. Adequate immunity. The largest histocompatibility complex. Antigen-presenting cells. T4 lymphocytes and T8 lymphocytes. B lymphocytes. Overview of the steps involved in activating the adaptive response. Humoral immunity. The 5 antibody classes. Origin of antibody variability. Clonal selection and clonal expansion. Mechanisms of action of antibodies. Mediated cell immunity. Activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages. Immune memory. Immunopathology Concepts. Passive, active, natural and artificial immunity. Vaccines and vaccination.
Practice Part (10 hours)
Immunological diagnostics
To guarantee quality, practical exercises are provided in groups of up to 10 students.